Crutches

Crutches

Crutches reduce the amount of weight placed on an injured limb aiding your child to recover from an injury.

Fitting Crutches

Crutches need to be fitted for correct use.  A guide is that the top of the crutch should be no more than two finger widths below the armpit, whilst the handles should be positioned so that the child’s elbows are almost straight when your child is standing.

Using Crutches

There are four main steps to using crutches:

• Move crutches forward.
• Lean forward and bring your weight over the crutches.
• Push through the arms.
• Hop through on unaffected foot.

Use of Crutches up and down stairs

Up stairs

• Place crutch close to the step.
• Push through arms and lean forward bringing weight over the crutches.
• Hop onto the first step with unaffected foot.
• Straighten up body and bring crutches up to the first step.

Down Stairs

• Carefully place crutches down the step.
• Place affected foot in front of crutches and lean slightly forward placing the weight through the crutches.
• Step down on to unaffected foot using arms to push through.

Safety

• Ensure all components of the crutches are correctly fitted and tight.
• Keep crutches close to the feet and not too far out to the side.
• All weight should be put through the child’s hands and not their armpits.
• Make sure your child is wearing supportive shoes like runners. Avoid using when only wearing socks as they can cause slipping.